The Oklahoma City Thunder star posted 38 points and eight assists in a 118-103 win to take a 2-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves, who now have the unenviable task of needing to take four out of five from the league's top team by record to reach the NBA Finals.

Alexander's first NBA MVP trophy gave him an overflow of energy when he returned to the court, but he tamed the electricity to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 2-0 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Randle had been a major driver of Minnesota's push to the West finals. His struggles in Game 2 are one reason the Wolves are in trouble.

Amid the Giannis Antetokounmpo drama, can Minnesota, Oklahoma City and Indiana sustain success around their superstars?

The Minnesota Timberwolves wouldn’t be where they are if it weren’t for Julius Randle, whom they acquired last summer from the New York Knicks in exchange for Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Minnesota Timberwolves faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, led by Anthony Edwards . Edwards led Minnesota to a first round victory over the Los Angeles Lakers and a second round victory over the Golden State Warriors .

The reality of what’s facing the Timberwolves is creeping in as they head home for two games in the Western Conference finals.

Dallas Mavericks assistant Sean Sweeney has learned from Jason Kidd, is from Saint Paul, Minnesota and stands on business. Described by league sources as someone who has an unrivaled work ethic, Sweeney is one of several candidates for the Phoenix Suns head coaching vacancy.

Jalen Brunson, who joined the Mavericks alongside Luka Doncic in 2018, is the undisputed leader of the New York Knicks and the reason why they’re in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in 25 years.